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At BMT, we aspire to be seen as a source of high-value insight and knowledge so that we can provide our customers with solutions to their challenges. Below we share our thoughts on important industry topics along with relevant news and events

First 'Futures Maritime' workshop with a Keynote Speech from Richard Westgarth

First 'Futures Maritime' workshop with a Keynote Speech from Richard Westgarth

9 November 2018

First 'Futures Maritime' workshop with a Keynote Speech from Richard Westgarth

Richard Westgarth, BMT’s Head of Campaigns, will deliver a keynote speech at Maritime UK’s first ‘Futures’ workshop on 23 November to discuss the likely skills implications of the rapidly changing technological landscape across the maritime sector, and the early futures focus on skills.

Maritime UK, the umbrella body for the maritime sector, has initiated its ‘Futures Programme’ to help understand the future shape of the UK maritime sector through the exploration of a broad range of drivers of change ascertaining which areas will have the greatest impact.

The ‘Futures Programme’ is designed to sit alongside the government’s Maritime 2050 initiative, whose delivery plans will be agreed in partnership with industry. BMT is sponsoring Maritime UK’s first ‘Futures’ workshop in London this month.

“We have skills shortages, we see trade changing and we’ve seen the impact of the potential of Brexit starting to come through,” he says. “I think there’s a real energy now within the industry from academia, companies and the sector is really take control of this and drive it forward. The UK government’s Maritime Growth Study and subsequent review paper have been key points driving that.”

Sarah Kenny, CEO at BMT and Maritime UK Vice Chair-elect said:

“The BMT-sponsored workshop is a unique opportunity to have a say in the direction of the UK maritime sector. Crucial to the sustainable growth of this sector, and in light of the post-Brexit trading environment, we need to see a continuum of pooled investment, collaboration, consensus and solidarity - in vital areas covering technology, trade, infrastructure, environment, people and security/resilience.

“The UK is in an excellent position to lead on opportunities for the global shipping industry, given its long maritime heritage and agile business ecosystem.

“With advances happening in UK commerce that have seen the emergence of autonomous transportation systems and the design of resilient supply chains, infrastructure and shipping networks, combined with the opportunities presented by new environmental regulations – we will tackle head on the challenges and opportunities set by ‘Maritime 2050’ to allow us to further expand overseas and see continued development of our home markets.”

Other industry leaders from the maritime sector who will represent the BMT-sponsored first ‘Futures’ workshop in London this month are: